Got some new info on the ewer. I contacted the Royal Albert Museum and the graciously researched the marks. They could not indentify the silver marks but believe it is either French or Belgian. They think it is late 19th to early 20th century. Still hoping that someone can find the clue! Thanks, Todd

the potential sources seem to be increasing .........we've had Finnish and Norwegian, and now we have suggestions of French or Belgian. Stylistically, there are approximately similar designs in the Dorothy Bosomworth (States produced) version of Silber & Fleming, so the date guide of late Victorian is going to be rather obvious, assuming not a modern copy. I'd also wondered if the marks might have appeared more worn if this was, say, 120 years or more old. From what little I've seen, hallmarks etc. often look more feint on antique silver/plated wares due to cleaning/rubbing.

If you are out collecting and do use the finger pad to assess whether silver is present, do remember not to use that digit for eating from your bag of sweets - silver oxide I believe is quite toxic.

There is something similar going on here . There are no marks on either the candlesticks or the chalice or it might be another candlestick (which is damaged) . It might be that mine are all made of glass or there may be a combination of very thin metal plus glass. Bought at a car boot sale and the seller said they were all bought in New York. Apologies if this is a red herring Cheers, Mike.